COVENANT

 

Covenant is a common theme in the Bible. It is frequently mentioned and encountered in our studies. But what is a covenant? “The covenant was such a solemn ritual agreement which served the function of a written contract.” (McKenzie, 1965). In ancient Hebrew culture, written documents were not commonly used (or often unavailable), so in order to make an agreement binding and more serious between two parties, they would establish a covenant with one another.

Covenants often contain terms and conditions, promises of blessings, and curses for violations. In other words, a covenant is a testament, agreement, contract, or a solemn commitment. The Bible contains many covenants—some between people, and many between God and people.

In fact, the entire storyline of the Bible can be understood by studying the covenants that God made with humanity. Though the Bible may seem like a long and complex story, its overall narrative can be summarized by understanding God’s covenants. By connecting these covenants, we gain a clear view of the big picture. There are seven major covenants that God made in the Bible:

1. EDENIC – The Covenant of Eden / The Covenant to Adam

Key Passages: Genesis 1:27–30; 3:15
Key People: Adam and Eve
Key Word: Rule

Though the word “covenant” is not explicitly mentioned, the Edenic (or Adamic) Covenant is considered the first agreement between God and humanity. Man was created in the image of God (Gen 1:27), and thus shares in God's authority to rule over all creation. Adam and Eve were entrusted to govern and enjoy God’s creation—but this came with a condition (Gen 2:15–17). When they violated the terms of this agreement, they faced consequences. However, in the midst of judgment, God also gave a promise of redemption: the “seed of the woman” would eventually crush the serpent’s head (Gen 3:15)—a prophecy pointing forward to Christ.

2. NOAHIC – The Covenant to Noah

Key Passages: Genesis 9:9–17
Key People: Noah
Key Word: Restrict

Humanity grew in number but also in rebellion (Gen 6:5). To limit this evil, God sent a great flood—but He preserved Noah and his family. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy all life on earth with a flood (Gen 9:9–17). The rainbow was given as the sign of this covenant. Through it, God restricted Himself from using a flood as judgment on all creation again, regardless of human sin.

3. ABRAHAMIC – The Covenant to Abraham

Key Passages: Genesis 12:1–3; 15:4–21; 17:1–14
Key People: Abraham
Key Word: Righteous

God chose Abram (later renamed “Abraham”) and entered into a special covenant with him. God promised him descendants (Gen 12:2; 15:5; 17:1–5), land (Gen 15:18; 17:8), and blessing (Gen 12:3). As part of the covenant, Abraham and his descendants were to live in faithful obedience, with circumcision as the covenant’s sign (Gen 17:9–14). Abraham responded in faith: “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Gen 15:6). This covenant laid the foundation for Israel as God’s chosen people.

4. SINAITIC – The Covenant through Moses

Key Passages: Exodus 19–24
Key People: Moses and the Israelites
Key Word: Reveal

As Abraham’s descendants multiplied and became slaves in Egypt, God remembered His covenant with their ancestors (Ex 2:24). He delivered them through Moses and led them toward the Promised Land. At Mount Sinai, God made another covenant, this time with the entire nation of Israel (Lev 26:46). This Sinaitic or Mosaic Covenant included detailed laws, commandments, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience. Through this covenant, God revealed His holiness, expectations, and will, setting Israel apart as His holy nation.

5. LEVITICAL – The Covenant to the Levites

Key Passages: Numbers 25:10–13
Key People: Phinehas and the Levites
Key Word: Regulate

In response to the zeal of Phinehas, a priest from the tribe of Levi, God established a covenant of lasting priesthood with him and his descendants (Num 25:10–13). This covenant ensured that the Levites would serve as priests, responsible for regulating and maintaining the sacrificial system and ritual purity in Israel. They played a vital role in preserving the spiritual and ceremonial life of the nation, as outlined in the Law of Moses.

6. DAVIDIC — The Covenant to David

Key Passages: 2 Samuel 7:11–16
Key People: David and his descendants
Key Word: Reign

God established an everlasting kingdom for David and his descendants (2 Sam 7:11–16; Ps 89:28–29). From David’s lineage would come the rulers of Israel. Later on, God also prophesied that a ruler would arise from David’s line who would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6–7), and also “Righteous Branch of David” (Jer 23:5–6). Because of this covenant, the people looked forward to a coming Messiah from David’s family who would inherit the throne.

7. NEW — The Covenant through Christ

Key Passages: Jeremiah 31:31–34
Key People: Jesus
Key Word: Redeem

Because of Israel’s disobedience to their agreement with God, He promised a new covenant that would come (Jer 31:31–34). This new covenant offers revelation about God and His law (“I will put the law in their minds and write it on their hearts,” v. 33), a relationship with Him (“they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” v. 34), and redemption from sin (“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more,” v. 34). The new covenant is far superior to the previous ones! When Christ came, He established this new agreement. “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Lk 22:20)

Through the New Covenant, all of God’s previous agreements with mankind were fulfilled or found their ultimate meaning!

• Edenic: Jesus became the “seed of the woman” (Gal 4:4). Because of His virgin birth, He fulfilled the description of the “Seed” who would come only from a woman and crush the serpent. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 Jn 3:8)

• Abrahamic: Through Jesus, all nations were blessed (Gal 3:8). According to the promise, through Abraham’s seed all nations would be blessed. Jesus, being from Abraham’s lineage, became the greatest blessing to all.

• Sinaitic: The Sinaitic covenants contained many laws required to reconcile man and God. Jesus said, “I have come not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.” (Matt 5:17). Christ became the end (or fulfillment) of the law (Rom 10:4).

• Levitical: Though Jesus was not a Levite, He fulfilled the covenant by becoming the High Priest forever (Heb 7:17). The writer of Hebrews made a clear effort to show that Jesus' priesthood is superior to that of the Levites.

• Davidic: Jesus is the long-awaited “Son of David” (Lk 1:32–33). He is the one who will reign forever, not only over Israel but over all. Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Walton, J. & Craig, K. (2016). Major Covenants in the Old Testament. NIV Cultural Study Bible (p. 23). Zondervan Publishing.

Payne, J. B. (1986). Covenant. In The New International Bible Dictionary (pp. 237–238). Zondervan Publishing.

Douglas, J. D. (Gen. Ed.). (1986). Covenant. In The New International Bible Dictionary (pp. 123–157). Zondervan Publishing.